If you are a habitual smoker requiring wisdom teeth removal, you may be concerned about the impact of smoking on your healing process. Tooth extractions can be challenging on the body and require careful healing and care. Smokers may face difficulties in healing compared to non-smokers due to weaker gums and overall poorer oral health.
Smoking Increases Your Chance of Complications
Aside from tobacco being a gum irritant, other chemicals in cigarettes can be harmful to your gums, especially after wisdom tooth extractions. These chemicals can discolor your teeth, darken your gums, and make you more susceptible to oral diseases. After wisdom teeth removal, your mouth becomes more sensitive and vulnerable to infection. To avoid worsening this sensitivity, it is best to avoid smoking for a few days following the procedure.
However, if you find it difficult to quit smoking despite the advice of your dental clinic, it is important to educate yourself about the potential risks of smoking immediately after tooth extraction.
Risks of Smoking after Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The biggest risk associated with smoking after wisdom teeth removal is the development of dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms at the extraction site becomes dislodged. This can happen due to activities like drinking through a straw or smoking a cigarette. The blood clot is crucial for proper healing, and if it becomes dislodged, it can be extremely painful and lead to infection.
In addition to the risk of dry socket, smoking also increases the likelihood of developing bacteria in your mouth that can attack your gums and weaken your body's healing ability.
When is it Safe to Smoke after Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
To avoid the mentioned risks, it is best to abstain from smoking for as long as possible. However, if you are a habitual smoker and worried about withdrawal symptoms, you should at least refrain from smoking for the first 72 hours after treatment, as this is when your body undergoes its most effective healing.
If you have been attempting to quit smoking for better health, wisdom tooth extractions may present the perfect opportunity to finally break free from your smoking habit.
Proper Aftercare Practices
After wisdom teeth removal, your mouth may remain vulnerable for a few weeks. It is crucial to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dental clinic to avoid complications.
This includes avoiding the use of a straw, refraining from smoking, and gently cleaning around the extraction site. It is also advisable to limit physical activity for the first few days to promote successful healing.
If you have any further questions or concerns about healing after wisdom tooth extraction, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Vista Place Dental. We are here to address any queries you may have.
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